TeaChat

I went ahead and got this too (and some mecha and genmaicha with matcha) to keep at work. I think it's time to retire the metal basket infuser I use with a glass mug at work). I'll bring a proper cup from home and I'll be set!

Just got a second one (with green style kukicha and some more organic sencha)! This one is also for work, with the goal of also retiring my metal infuser (a tea ball ). I'll still be using a mug for the mean time, though.

M.

I have to say, the more I use this little gem the more I love it. I hope it lasts for years

It is pretty neat, though it's not on their site at all anymore D:

M.

Can these be washed with soap? Not sure if I need to stick to one kind of tea for it. It's been great for my uses here at work.

I feel like it's better not to mix roasted tea and sencha in this pot. Because this pot does absorb flavor. I rinse it with hot water after every use and don't leave tea leaves in it all afternoon. So far it's been perfect.

I would maybe use baking soda and hot water to clean it out if you ever need to do a deep clean and remove some residue. Let the baking soda sit and that can help with flavors imparted to the pot.

Sam

I wouldn't use dish washing detergent
really a quick rinse out of leaves, quick polish with cloth, then rinse with boiling water and let air dry is enough

You don't need to just stick with one type of tea, but cleaning it out well after each use is crucial if you plan to switch around teas.

Eventually you may want to boil it to clean out the little fragments that will get stuck in the filter. Don't try and pop it out like I did, very hard to get it to fit back on perfect

BrooklynBrew wrote:Can these be washed with soap?

I would strongly advise against it.

Got confirmation today that Den's finally shipped my order.

Since this Kyusu appears to have a "slip" applied to it giving it the glossy look, IMHO you could wash with soapy water, rinsing thoroughly of course. But I do not see the advantage in doing so.

This type of slip in inexpensive Kyusu seem to be for ease of care ... and I guess for anyone wanting a glossy Kyusu. For this same reason, I think this Kyusu could also be used without any difficulty for "cross-brewing" of various types of teas.

Just a good rinsing with very hot water should be all you need to do after each use. If you notice the pour has slowed, you can take a stiff toothbrush and scrub it a bit. I often do this when the screen is totally dry, any scale build-up just falls away.

Chip, Once again, you make sense & give good advice. Thanks.

Chip wrote:Since this Kyusu appears to have a "slip" applied to it giving it the glossy look, IMHO you could wash with soapy water, rinsing thoroughly of course. But I do not see the advantage in doing so.

This type of slip in inexpensive Kyusu seem to be for ease of care ... and I guess for anyone wanting a glossy Kyusu. For this same reason, I think this Kyusu could also be used without any difficulty for "cross-brewing" of various types of teas.

Just a good rinsing with very hot water should be all you need to do after each use. If you notice the pour has slowed, you can take a stiff toothbrush and scrub it a bit. I often do this when the screen is totally dry, any scale build-up just falls away.

While I agree with you that it is probably safe, I also think that since the slip/glaze/whatever is not your usual silica-based glaze, it should be treated as being porous until shown otherwise... maybe some of the potters around here can chime in...

... having said all that and having owned an inexpensive slipped kyusu ... I have never used soapy water to clean ... nor would I. My lengthy experience with the Kyusu however led me to think one could wash it if truly needed with soapy water.

I haven't used soap with it yet. Nor have I done genmaicha or houjicha in it. It's just been sencha. Just wanted to be sure I wasn't being overly cautious.

BrooklynBrew wrote:I haven't used soap with it yet. Nor have I done genmaicha or houjicha in it. It's just been sencha. Just wanted to be sure I wasn't being overly cautious.

Certainly if it is a higher end Kyusu ... which this is not ... you certainly will want to be much more cautious about what you put into it ... this Kyusu is made to be pretty carefree ... IMHO. I do not think it will retain much in aroma and taste, obviously with prompt and thorough rinsing after each use.

From time to time, run a tiny bottle brush in the spout to knock off build up which could effect flavors.